So some of you have noticed the new sponsor store. Aquarium Co-Op. That would be and my old name on here was Cory. I managed Conway Tropical Fish for the last 5 years and am now in the process of setting up my own store. I plan to share lots of information and pics about starting a local fish store. As many people have the dream, but don't realize all the elements that go into it.
The Goal: To open a fish store that utilizes local fish breeders and provides an eco friendly product to customers. This includes but is not limited too, locally bred fish, bulk foods, fish breeding supplies, refillable containers of meds, water conditioners etc.
Target Grand Opening: April 1st. To make sure I am open and ready for pond season.
Soft Open date: Mid Febuary to March 1st. This means open but not finished.
What I've done so far: Is a running cost total helpful?
Bought some fish tanks and racks from an Angel Breeder: $700
Bought Ez Aquarium. Contained over 50 tanks, security system, small air blower, sponge filters. $800
Renting 2 storage units and a cargo container. $130 a month
Filed for an LLC in the name of Aquarium Co-Op. $225
Filed for a resellers permit.
Made a facebook and got at least 30 likes to ensure I have www.facebook.com/aquariumcoop Free
Bought the domain www.aquariumcoop.com $10
Started communication with a branding and design firm. Website waits until colors and logos established. Pro bono! Thanks!
Bought and configured a point of sale system. $500
Had Business Cards Made. $50
Location scouting - Still ongoing. 2 Potential locations so far. Both in Everett. Lots of time.
Bought a label maker on sale $25
Bought a scanner for documents: $50
Sponsored WaFishBox: $30
Bought a rolling cart to catch fish on: $60
Bought an impulse sealer for sealing breather bags: $40
Label printer for shipping labels: $100
Got test samples from Ecoxotic LED lighting. Free
Bought t5 lighting to test PAR reading also $40
Bought shop light fixture to read PAR also $20
Here you can see some of the tanks in storage. Some were bought at a petco $1 a gallon sale(this is cheaper than wholesale). If you look closely you can see some custom painted backgrounds done by an artist I'm testing out. Might have custom backgrounds on every tank.
I'm sure theres 200 things I've forgotten to post about what has been done so far. But I'll update as I think of them and hopefully grab more pictures for you guys.
The Goal: To open a fish store that utilizes local fish breeders and provides an eco friendly product to customers. This includes but is not limited too, locally bred fish, bulk foods, fish breeding supplies, refillable containers of meds, water conditioners etc.
Target Grand Opening: April 1st. To make sure I am open and ready for pond season.
Soft Open date: Mid Febuary to March 1st. This means open but not finished.
What I've done so far: Is a running cost total helpful?
Bought some fish tanks and racks from an Angel Breeder: $700
Bought Ez Aquarium. Contained over 50 tanks, security system, small air blower, sponge filters. $800
Renting 2 storage units and a cargo container. $130 a month
Filed for an LLC in the name of Aquarium Co-Op. $225
Filed for a resellers permit.
Made a facebook and got at least 30 likes to ensure I have www.facebook.com/aquariumcoop Free
Bought the domain www.aquariumcoop.com $10
Started communication with a branding and design firm. Website waits until colors and logos established. Pro bono! Thanks!
Bought and configured a point of sale system. $500
Had Business Cards Made. $50
Location scouting - Still ongoing. 2 Potential locations so far. Both in Everett. Lots of time.
Bought a label maker on sale $25
Bought a scanner for documents: $50
Sponsored WaFishBox: $30
Bought a rolling cart to catch fish on: $60
Bought an impulse sealer for sealing breather bags: $40
Label printer for shipping labels: $100
Got test samples from Ecoxotic LED lighting. Free
Bought t5 lighting to test PAR reading also $40
Bought shop light fixture to read PAR also $20
Here you can see some of the tanks in storage. Some were bought at a petco $1 a gallon sale(this is cheaper than wholesale). If you look closely you can see some custom painted backgrounds done by an artist I'm testing out. Might have custom backgrounds on every tank.
I'm sure theres 200 things I've forgotten to post about what has been done so far. But I'll update as I think of them and hopefully grab more pictures for you guys.